HC Deb 18 April 1934 vol 288 c963
46 and 47. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether it is the intention of the Government to continue the Ottawa Agreements after next June;

(2), whether he can give an assurance to the House that the existing Ottawa Agreements will not be continued after their expiration except on a more reciprocal basis?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

It is provided in each of the agreements concluded with the Dominions at Ottawa that they shall remain in force thereafter subject to six months' notice. No question as to their continuance, therefore, arises at present, but I could not accept the hon. Member's suggestion that the agreements are not on a reciprocal basis.

Mr. PERKINS

In the interests of British agriculture, will the right hon. Gentleman not give notice to terminate the agreements at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. THOMAS

If my hon. Friend will put that question down, an answer will be given.

Vice-Admiral TAYLOR

Are not these agreements now of the greatest benefit to this country?